Even in an epic drought, the long-awaited commencement of the $83 million San Clemente Dam removal project is welcomed as the obsolete dam posed a safety threat to downstream communities and provided very little water due to tremendous silt build-up.
San Clemente Dam, built in 1921 to provide water from the Carmel River for the Monterey Peninsula, is coming down, literally, "using a hoe ram, a kind of giant jackhammer chipping away at the concrete and reinforced steel structure," writes Jim Johnson for the Monterey Herald. At the same time, construction has begun on the new Carmel River channel with step pools to improve fish habitat [see photo 3 in photo gallery].
San Clemente Dam pre-destruction. Credit: San Clemente Dam Removal & Carmel River Reroute Project
After the dam flunked a seismic safety inspection in 1992, the owner, California American Water Company (Cal Am), with the encouragement of local, state, and federal legislators, settled on the "San Clemente Dam Removal & Carmel River Reroute Project." The removal of the 106-foot-high dam is the largest such project in the state's history and "could be a model for state water policy," writes Steve Rubenstein for the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Retrofitting it would have been like putting new tires on a car with a blown engine,” Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter, in whose district the dam lies, said. “Dams are an antiquated technology. They were invented before Christ was born. They’re not good for the watershed, for the fish or for flood prevention.”
The "Background & History" section on the project website provides this explanation:
Strengthening the dam would resolve the public safety issues, but would not address other issues related to the dam such as impaired access for steelhead to 25 miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat, disruption of sediment transport to the lower river and Carmel River beach, and ecological discontinuity of aquatic and riparian habitats.
"Cal Am project executive Rich Svindland called the beginning of demolition 'a huge milestone, there’s no question about that',” adds Johnson.
“We’ve reached the point of no return,” Svindland said. “I commend my fellow partners, the Coastal Conservancy and National Marine Fisheries, for getting to this point. We’re on the forefront of what will need to happen across the country, and we’ve proved it can be done.”
"Water for the county will come instead from existing underground wells," writes Rubenstein. "The huge pile of sediment — 2.5 million cubic yards of muck — will be allowed to remain in place." Water will continue to be supplied from the upstream Los Padres dam as well, though its future appears questionable.
The dam is expected to be removed entirely by the third week of August.
FULL STORY: San Clemente Dam teardown work begins; completion expected by end of month
Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle
Four dams are coming down along the Klamath River. The final decision to remove the dams is a milestone political and legal victory for indigenous tribes living in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Dams on the Way Out on Two California Rivers
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is about to commence on the Klamath River. Due to a recent development, a dam on the Eel River is also on expected for decommission.
Congressional Bills Could Hit Refresh on U.S. Dams
The 21st Century Dams Act, a proposal to remove four dams on the lower Snake River, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act all have a chance to redefine the country's approach to dams and watersheds.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service